CRITIC REVIEWS
Antonio Galloni
The 2021 Sassicaia is one of the best young Sassicaias I can remember tasting, certainly on par with anything in recent memory. The preference here is picking on the earlier side relative to many neighboring properties, which is one of the reasons Sassicaia is always a wine of refinement more than opulence. At the same time, Sassicaia can be light. Not in 2021. All the elements came together during a long growing season to produce a rich, deep wine that marries textural intensity with classicism. Dark cherry/plum fruit, spice, new leather, menthol, licorice and spice all race across the palate. Time in the glass brings out the wine's textural intensity and sheer power. The 2021 is one of the most concentrated Sassicaias on record. That allowed for long macerations, as long as 20 days for some Cabernets. Aging was 25 months in French oak barrels (95% French, 5% a mix of Hungarian and Slavonian wood), 40% new, 40% once-used barrels and 20% in twice-used barrels. One of the recent developments here is some batonnage in aging, which is used to build texture. That approach worked well in 2021. In a word: magnificent.
JancisRobinson.com
Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Cabernet Franc.Lustrous crimson. Lifted and with a core of red fruit still to come out on the nose. Noble austerity! Only hints of cardamon and red fruit, but with aeration the oak comes out more. Only hints of cassis. Cool-climate character on the palate with raspberry and redcurrant and vibrancy. The acidity is much less upfront than in 2022 and the fine, persistent tannins perfectly in line with the fruit but holding it in their grip. (WS)